Submitted Photo The 9U Minot Aces are all smiles after their Cal Ripken state title run that ended in Grand Forks on Sunday, July 25. Front row left to right: Ryker Brossart, Ayden Heilman, Brayden Callahan, Aiden Ackerman, Hunter Theobald, Madux Burgess. Middle row left to right: Grant Trudell, Cohen Racine, Kellen Laskowski, Jenner Beau Lac, Chandler Leraas, Maddox Kotaska. Back row coaches left to right: Ryan Callahan, Andy Leraas, Charlie Theobald. Not pictured: Coach Eric Kotaska.

They came, they saw, they conquered.

On July 25, the nine-and-under Minot Aces wrapped up a perfect 5-0 run to win the Cal Ripken State Baseball Tournament in Grand Forks.

In the first day of the three-day tournament, Minot defeated Wahpeton 12-2 and followed up with a 13-5 triumph over the West Fargo Rattlers in the second game. Then on day two, Minot was a 12-10 winner over the Fargo 61’s and topped the Dickinson Mustangs 10-7 in the second contest of the day. The Aces concluded the tournament with an 8-6 win over the Mandan Mavericks to secure a state title on the final day of postseason action.

Here is a player profile from the members of the state title winning team from Minot.

Hunter Theobald

Number: 2

Position: Pitcher and outfielder

MDN: Who is your favorite baseball player and why?

Theobald: Byron Buxton is my favorite player because he hits the ball well and makes great catches in the outfield.

MDN: Why do you love playing baseball?

Theobald: I love playing baseball because it can bring so much excitement to a team.

MDN: What was the most memorable part about winning the state championship?

Theobald: My most memorable moment was all the baseball chatter the entire game, how the team all hit well and when Kellen (Laskowski) threw the last pitch and the hitter didn’t even swing.

Brayden Callahan

Number: 3

Position: Pitcher and shortstop

MDN: Who is your favorite baseball player and why?

Callahan: Fernando Tatís Jr. because he is very athletic and fast, jumps high and can hit the ball far and hard.

MDN: Why do you love playing baseball?

Callahan: It’s a fun sport to play that gets you outside and can get you together with a group of friends. I enjoy the challenge of throwing strikes and hitting the baseball hard for base hits. I like stealing bases and bunting down to third base as well.

MDN: What was the most memorable part about winning the state championship?

Callahan: Coming back from being down 4-1 to Mandan and winning the game. I was excited to be part of the very last play of the game and catching the third strike from Kellen (Laskowski).

Aiden Ackerman

Number: 4

Position: Pitcher, catcher, shortstop

MDN: Who is your favorite baseball player and why?

Ackerman: Aaron Judge because he’s a great team player and a great baseball player.

MDN: Why do you love playing baseball?

Ackerman: To hit the ball or to help my teammates advance. I’m glad I met some new friends and getting to see family and friends from out of town.

MDN: What was the most memorable part about winning the state championship?

Ackerman: I’ll never forget how we battled back and took the lead. I liked seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces when we won the game.

Ryker Brossart

Number: 7

Position: Second base

MDN: Who is your favorite baseball player and why?

Brossart: Probably Mike Trout. I like the way that he hits, he’s strong and can hit really far.

MDN: Why do you love playing baseball?

Brossart: I get to play with friends and have a good time.

MDN: What was the most memorable part about winning the state championship?

Brossart: Winning every game of the tournament and earning a medal. Being state champs is pretty cool.

Grant Trudell

Number: 10

Position: Third base

MDN: Who is your favorite baseball player and why?

Trudell: Fernando Tatís Jr. because he hits dingers.

MDN: Why do you love playing baseball?

Trudell: I like to compete.

MDN: What was the most memorable part about winning the state championship?

Trudell: Having a good tournament, hitting the ball well and getting on base.

Maddox Kotaska

Number: 11

Position: Pitcher and first base

MDN: Who is your favorite baseball player and why?

Kotaska: Aaron Judge, because he plays for my favorite baseball team, the New York Yankees, and he hits bombs. Fernando Tatís Jr. also hits bombs.

MDN: Why do you love playing baseball?

Kotaska: I love playing with my team and making exciting plays. I also love throwing strikes.

MDN: What was the most memorable part about winning the state championship?

Kotaska: I was told that it was the best I have ever pitched. At the plate, I went 4-for-4 in the championship game with one of them being a triple.

Madux Burgess

Number: 13

Position: Outfielder

MDN: Who is your favorite baseball player and why?

Burgess: Bryce Harper because he has a sick flow and runs fast.

MDN: Why do you love playing baseball?

Burgess: I like to hang out with my friends.

MDN: What was the most memorable part about winning the state championship?

Burgess: When teammate Chandler Leraas hit a home run in the championship game to give our team the lead.

Cohen Racine

Number: 15

Position: Outfielder

MDN: Who is your favorite baseball player and why?

Racine: Allen Grier of the Sabre Dogs because he’s small, fast and catches everything.

MDN: Why do you love playing baseball?

Racine: I like to hit and play with my teammates.

MDN: What was the most memorable part about winning the state championship?

Racine: The final pitch and celebrating with my teammates.

Ayden Heilman

Number: 23

Position: Infielder

MDN: Who is your favorite baseball player and why?

Heilman: Ronald Acuña Jr. because he plays for the Atlanta Braves and that is my dad’s favorite team.

MDN: Why do you love playing baseball?

Heilman: It is my favorite sport and I like playing the game with my friends.

MDN: What was the most memorable part about winning the state championship?

Heilman: My most memorable part of winning the championship was huddling with my team and celebrating at the end of the game. We worked hard as a team and won.

Jenner Beau Lac

Number: 24

Position: Right field

MDN: Who is your favorite baseball player and why?

JBL: Byron Buxton because he plays outfield, he’s fast and I want to be like him.

MDN: Why do you love playing baseball?

JBL: It’s a competitive sport and I like the competition.

MDN: What was the most memorable part about winning the state championship?

JBL: Kellen (Laskowski’s) game winning pitch.

Chandler Leraas

Number: 32

Position: Center field and pitcher

MDN: Who is your favorite baseball player and why?

Leraas: Aaron Judge because he hits home runs and he plays the outfield.

MDN: Why do you love playing baseball?

Leraas: I like everything about baseball: hitting, playing the field, running the bases and being with friends.

MDN: What was the most memorable part about winning the state championship?

Leraas: Hitting a home run to go ahead in the fourth inning in the state championship game and celebrating with my teammates.

Kellen Laskowski

Number: 99

Position: Outfield, first base and pitcher

MDN: Who is your favorite baseball player and why?

Laskowski: Babe Ruth, most people know him.

MDN: Why do you love playing baseball?

Laskowski: Because it’s fun and I like to play with my friends.

MDN: What was the most memorable part about winning the state championship?

Laskowski: Striking out the last batter in the state championship game.